As part of the region-wide initiative, police are partnering with local students, businesses and community organizations for the sixth year to offer RIDE 101.

RIDE 101 is a program designed to educate drivers, particularly young and future drivers, of the importance and responsibility while driving and the potential consequences of mixing alcohol or drugs and operating a motor vehicle.

Aside from Blakelock, high schools in Halton participating in the program include:

• Milton District, 396 Williams Ave., on Wednesday, Dec. 5

• Burlington Central, 1433 Baldwin St., on Thursday, Dec. 13

• Acton District, 21 Cedar Rd., Acton, on Friday, Dec. 14

The official launch will take place at Blakelock H.S. on Dec. 4.

Halton police RIDE 101 officers will join students from Blakelock to distribute educational information, provide students an opportunity to test roadside screening devices and put all students through a series of simulated roadside sobriety tests.

The daytime component will be held at participating schools from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A night component of the program will entail members of student council assisting officers in speaking with drivers of stopped vehicles during a R.I.D.E. spot check from 6-9 p.m. in front of each participating school.

Officers and students will distribute Think of Me cards and information pamphlets on the consequences of impaired driving.

The Think of Me cards are hand-drawn and coloured by Grades 4, 5 and 6 students and reflect that child’s perception of drinking and driving.